This Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad is a fun twist on classic flavors! It’s filled with pasta, tender chicken, and a mix of colorful veggies, all tossed in a tasty dressing.
This salad is great for warm days or any time you want a quick meal. I love to make a big bowl and enjoy leftovers—it’s even better the next day! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini because its spiral shape holds the dressing well. If you don’t have it, penne, fusilli, or any pasta shape you like will work too.
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast adds lean protein. You could use rotisserie chicken for convenience or substitute with canned chicken or chickpeas if you prefer a vegetarian option.
Black Beans: They add protein and fiber. If you’re not a fan, you could swap them with kidney beans or even corn for extra sweetness!
Corn: Fresh corn is great in summer, but canned or frozen corn is just as good. If you’re looking for more color, you could use diced red or yellow bell pepper instead.
Jalapeños: These give a nice kick! If you want less heat, you could use diced bell peppers or just omit them entirely.
How Do I Make the Perfect Zesty Dressing?
Creating the zesty dressing is simple but crucial for flavor. Here’s how you can make it shine:
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk it well until all ingredients mix smoothly. This dressing should be tangy with a hint of spice—adjust to your taste!
Don’t skip tasting it; if you’d like more acidity, add extra lime juice. It’s your salad—make it suit your taste buds!
How to Make Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (about 3 cups) rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or cubed
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: lime wedges, extra cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. In total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes before you can dig in! Perfect for meal prep or a refreshing side dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once it’s cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water. This helps stop the cooking process and cools it down. Set aside.
2. Make the Zesty Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix until everything is combined into a zesty dressing. This will bring all the flavors together!
3. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, diced chicken, black beans, corn, chopped red onion, jalapeños, and cilantro. These ingredients will add great texture and flavor to your salad.
4. Toss with the Dressing:
Pour the zesty dressing over the pasta salad ingredients. Toss everything well until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. This is where the magic happens!
5. Taste and Adjust:
Give your salad a taste and feel free to add more salt, pepper, or lime juice based on your personal preference. Cooking is all about customizing to your taste!
6. Chill and Let the Flavors Blend:
Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps all the delicious flavors meld together and improves the taste.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, garnish your salad with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired. Enjoy your bright, flavorful Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad as a refreshing main dish or as a side! It’s delicious any time of year!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead of Regular Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great substitute and adds extra fiber. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary slightly from regular pasta.
How Long Will Leftover Pasta Salad Last in the Fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, this pasta salad will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, for the best flavor and texture, try to eat it within 1-2 days.
Is There a Vegetarian Option for This Recipe?
Yes! You can easily make this salad vegetarian by omitting the chicken and substituting it with extra black beans or chickpeas for added protein. You can also add diced bell peppers or avocado for more texture.
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Definitely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day in advance, just hold off on adding the fresh cilantro until right before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
